Page 41 of Unlocked

“Hey, Marley, it’s Shelby,” I say when she answers. “How are you doing today?”

“I’m okay. I only woke Luke up once last night,” Marley relates. “How are you? I’ve been worried about you all day. How are things with Bo?”

“I’m a little better, today,” I tell her. “Things are good. He is bossy as ever, but he’s taking care of me, being sweet.”

“Oh my God! What happened?” Marley demands, “Tell me everything.”

“I’m not discussing this…us over the phone,” I tell her. “He took me to my therapy appointment today. It went well.” Bo comes into the living room where I’m seated on the couch.

“That’s good. I’m glad,” Marley continues, “What did you do this afternoon?” My face heats with the memories of our afternoon activities. I bite my lower lip trying to formulate a believable answer. Bo glances in my direction seeing my uncomfortable expression. He strolls over to me.

“What’s with that look, sweet girl?” he questions. “You look like I’ve said something highly inappropriate.”

“Is that Bo?” Marley asks from the phone in my hand. Bo’s eyes drop to the screen. “Tell him to butt out. We are trying to have a conversation.”

“Have your conversation,” Bo spouts with amusement. “I’m not trying to stop you.”

“We can’t talk if you’re listening in,” Marley grumbles. “It’s girl talk, not girl while guy is listening talk.” Bo laughs loudly.

“Okay, I can take a hint,” he declares. “I’ll make myself scarce.” He kisses me long and deep before leaving me to Marley.

“Oh my god! You’ve had sex with him!” Marley exclaims. I’m fairly certain my head is going to explode from embarrassment.

“Marley, we will discuss it when we are together,” I promise. “This isn’t something I want to talk about on the phone.”

“Fine, when are you coming over? We still need to decide on a new wedding date.” Marley sighs. “Ace will be back on active duty soon. Daisy still has a few days, but she will be back to work, soon, too.”

“I don’t know,” I admit. “Bo and I haven’t talked about it. I need to get a new phone and check my emails from work. I need to contact my boss and extend my vacation.”

“Shit! I didn’t even think about that. I’m so sorry,” Marley whines. “I never meant for any of this to happen.”

“I know, Marley. Don’t worry about it. I have plenty of vacation time. I haven’t taken any time off in years. My boss will understand. besides if there is something he needs urgently, I can work remotely. I’ve been doing that more and more over the years anyway. I’ve kind of been working from home.”

“Really? How did I not know this?” Marley asks.

“I didn’t tell you because I was worried you would think I was becoming a hermit,” I admit.

“Well, you were, weren’t you?” I can hear the condemnation in her voice. I sigh because she isn’t wrong. I was becoming a hermit, bordering on agoraphobia.

“Guilty, but I think that’s changing,” I recognize. Bo is changing me for the better. He makes me feel safe, brave, confident. I’m still subconscious about my weight, about what people think of me, but he’s made me feel beautiful, special, and loved, which is something I never thought I’d feel.

“I suppose Bo is the reason?” Marley teases.

“He’s a big part of it but also being around you again,” I acknowledge. getting to my feet, I go in search of Bo, needing his comfort. “I’m coming to realize I need to be around those who love me and who make me feel good about myself instead of hiding away from the world. You, Bo, and Daisy have all helped me see that. So, thank you.” I find Bo in his office, sitting behind a large cherry desk. I knock softly on the door frame. He looks up and motions me over to him. I hurry to him slipping into his lap. He wraps me up tight.

“I love you.” Marley’s voice cracks. I can feel tears in my eyes, too.

“I love you, too,” I whisper around the lump in my throat. “I’ll see you soon, bye.”

“Bye.” The call disconnects. Bo takes the phone from my hand, placing it on his desk before turning to kiss me sotenderly. I sigh in contentment, laying my head on his broad, strong shoulder.

“You girls have a good talk?” I nod. “Did you tell her how lucky you are to have such a strong virulent man who can make you come multiple times?” I cackle in a fit of laughter, which is why he asked the question. He’s grinning as I laugh, but then he gets a serious look on his face. “You didn’t really say any of that right?” I laugh harder and refuse to answer his question. I’m thinking I need to keep him guessing.

Chapter 26

Bo

Two weeks later…

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